10 Best Beaches in Formentera

Playa de Ses Illetes is a narrow strip of sand that frequently ranks among the finest beaches in Europe for its chalk-white sands and calm, shallow waters. One of Formentera’s most popular beaches, Ses Illetes attracts a wide variety of visitors including foreign tourists and local families as well as day trippers from nearby Ibiza.

Come early in the morning to beat the crowds and be sure to bring refreshments as there is no shop at this beach, only a restaurant serving fresh seafood at premium prices.

More a collection of beaches than a single stretch of sand, Playa de Migjorn swoops gracefully across the southern end of Formentera. Less developed than much of the island, the beaches here are characterized by a laid-back vibe and clear, calm waters.

Due to its isolation, Migjorn is embraced by an alternate crowd seeking escape from the commercial development further north. Bob Dylan was once a frequent visitor to this stretch of sand, and his favorite haunt, Blue Bar, continues to be one of Migjorn’s best watering holes to this day. Whatever the time of year, visitors to Migjorn can find a quiet section of sand to call their own for a day.

Backed by steep cliffs and split in 2 by a rocky outcrop, Calo des Mort might just be Formentera’s most dramatic beach. Indeed, it’s only accessible via a steep staircase and, while this makes the beach difficult to reach, the isolation of Calo des Mort make it an extremely well-preserved area.

The turquoise waters of Calo des Mort make it a hotbed for snorkeling, though exposure to strong winds mean that the current can get strong here. Part of the charm of Calo des Mort is its utter lack of development, with a dilapidated old beach house serving as a makeshift changing room. While undeniably beautiful, this Formentera beach is not for the faint of heart.

On Formentera’s northern coast, the narrow stretch of sand that is Playa de Llevant is the most visited beach on the island’s Trucador peninsula. This is due in part to the easy access visitors have, as the beach is 4 km from the main port town of La Savina.

As with much of the island, the sand here is soft and white and slopes gently into the adjacent waters. Llevant becomes extremely busy during the peak summer months. It's worth noting that Playa de Llevant is one of Formentera’s foremost nudist beaches – something to bear in mind for visitors who might not be used to this culture. In addition, the area is a key meet-up spot for the global gay community.

Renowned as an ideal beach for families, Ses Platgetes benefits from easy access, shallow waters and soft white sands. Suitably remote for those seeking a more intimate experience of Formentera, Ses Platgetes remains quiet even in the high season of July and August.

While the beach itself doesn't have any amenities to speak of, the small village of Es Calo is a short walk away and provides a supermarket and ATM for visitors to the nearby beach. The excellent Es Calo restaurant cooks up some of the finest, freshest seafood to be had anywhere on the island, making a lunch stop essential.

The western side of Formentera is dominated by steep cliffs and rocky outcrops unsuitable for swimming and sunbathing. As the only beach around for miles, Cala Saona is a small but beautiful bay that’s famous as the home of a luxury hotel of the same name. Just a 15-minute journey from La Savina, Cala Saona is one of the island’s best-kept beaches and boasts a wide range of amenities including cafés, restaurants and parasols for rent.

All of this makes Cala Saona an excellent beach for families and those seeking a little more comfort from their Formentera beach experience. As a western facing beach, Cala Saona is one of the premier spots on the island for enjoying a dazzling sunset.

Though this rocky bay may not be the best place to lounge around in the sun all day, Cala en Baster is certainly one of the most unique beaches in Formentera. This is because most visitors to the island shun this bay for more accessible beaches further north. For those seeking a glimpse of Formentera’s wild side and a truly original experience, a visit to Cala en Baster could be just the thing.

With craggy orange cliffs crumbling into azure waters, Cala en Baster offers a stunning visual landscape. Swimming, snorkeling and cliff jumping are just some of the activities that visitors to this remote beach in northeast Formentera can enjoy.

Forming part of the Migjorn bay, Es Arenals is a beautiful long beach that encapsulates everything for which Formentera is best known. Pristine white sands, crystalline waters and a wide range of bars and restaurants make Es Arenals a popular spot for families and tourists seeking a fun but laid-back vibe.

Restaurante Es Arenals offers local seafood dishes such as paella and grilled squid amid humble surrounds with stunning views of the nearby water. Set back ever so slightly from the beach, Piratabus and Flipper provide 2 excellent examples of the famous chiringuito beach bars, with inexpensive cocktails and a bohemian yet chic clientele.

One of Formentera’s most developed beaches, Es Pujols sits adjacent to the popular resort town of the same name. With the same turquoise waters and white sand as everywhere else on the island, Es Pujols benefits from added amenities such as water sports, bars, restaurants and changing rooms, making it great for families.

While perhaps not the most idyllic beach on Formentera, Es Pujols might just be the best-served stretch of sand on the island. Some of the more popular chiringuitos here include Chezz Gerdi and Can Vent, which both provide a more refined take on the classic beach bar experience.